50p Fifty Pence Coins Britain’s Beloved Heptagon

The 50p coin is one of the most recognisable and popular denominations in the United Kingdom’s decimal coinage and a firm favourite with both everyday users and collectors alike.

A Unique and Iconic Design

Introduced in October 1969 as part of the UK’s switch to decimal currency, the 50‑pence piece was revolutionary for its shape: an equilateral curve heptagon. This seven‑sided form wasn’t just visually distinctive — it was designed so the coin would still roll smoothly through vending machines while being easily distinguished by touch and sight from round coins. 

Originally larger than today’s version, the first 50p coins featured Britannia — seated beside a lion — and bore the words NEW PENCE above the value “50”. Later issues replaced the wording with FIFTY PENCE as decimal currency became familiar to the public. 

In 1997, a smaller version of the 50p was introduced, weighing 8.00 g with a diameter of 27.3 mm, replacing the original larger coin that was withdrawn from circulation the following year. 

Coin Specifications & Portraits

Modern circulating 50p coins are struck in cupro‑nickel (75 % copper, 25 % nickel) and have carried different monarch portraits over time:

• Raphael Maklouf (1985–1997)

• Ian Rank‑Broadley (1998–2015)

• Jody Clark (2015–2022)

• Martin Jennings (2022–present) 

The obverse design changes with each official portrait of the monarch, while the reverse (tails side) is often used to explore themes of British culture, heritage, and historical events.

Commemorative and Collectible Designs

The 50p is one of the most diverse denominations for commemorative designs, with over 60 different reverse designsissued over the last five decades. 

Collectors can find coins marking events such as:

• London 2012 Olympic Games (multiple sporting designs) 

• Beatrix Potter characters, including Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy‑Winkle 

• Paddington Bear series and Paddington at Buckingham Palace 

• Innovations in Science featuring Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking 

• Hogwarts Express and Star Wars themed coins 

These special editions have made the 50p a favourite in annual coin collections and gifts. 

Rare and Valuable 50p Coins

While most modern 50p coins remain worth face value in circulation, some have become highly desirable among collectors due to low mintage:

• The Kew Gardens 50p (2009) was long considered the rarest with just 210,000 struck, making it extremely sought after. 

• In recent years, the Atlantic Salmon 50p (2023) overtook the Kew Gardens coin with a mintage of around 200,000— now considered the rarest standard circulating 50p. 

• Coins from London 2012 Olympic series — such as the football 50p — also draw collector interest. 

Rare or mis‑struck coins, and certain commemoratives, can sometimes sell for many times their face value in auctions and collector markets. 

Why Collectors Love 50ps

The 50p coin appeals to collectors for several reasons:

• Diverse reverse designs commemorate history, popular culture, and national events. 

• Anniversary issues celebrate milestones like the 50th anniversary of the 50p itself. 

• Some issues have low mintages, making them rare and potentially valuable. 

Whether you’re cashing in your change or adding to a collection, the 50p continues to captivate with its history, art, and surprising collectibles.

Royal Mint